Fhp Trooper Fired After Suing Commander For Discrimination

June 20, 1985|By David Enscoe, Staff Writer

Florida Highway Patrol Commander Bobby Burkett has decided to fire a veteran patrol sargeant who is suing him for discrimination and harassment.

Sgt. Robert Downey, a 20-year FHP veteran who was stationed at Troop K on Florida`s Turnpike, was notified in a letter from Burkett this week that he would be fired June 28. Burkett`s letter said Downey could, however, have a hearing on the matter on June 26. Downey has accepted that offer.

``This is obviously retaliation against me for filing the suit,`` Downey said Wednesday. ``It`s the biggest bunch of bull the world has ever seen.``

In the 15-page letter Downey received, Burkett cites insubordination, ``unauthorized interaction with the media`` and an ``unfounded investigation`` of another trooper as the reasons for Downey`s dismissal from his $28,000-a-year job.

Burkett and other FHP officials have refused to discuss the actions against Downey and his wife.

But in his letter, Burkett refers to a memo Downey wrote in March recommending psychological help for one of his subordinates, Corporal Raymond Wess.

Told to support his recommendation, Downey interviewed more than 30 troopers and two civilians about problems they had had with Wess, who Downey says is a longtime friend of Burkett.

In his letter, Burkett says that Downey misrepresented the statements of the people he interviewed, and tried to discredit Wess.

``By your unfounded attacks on Corporal Wess, you have embarrassed and humiliated a fellow member of the patrol,`` Burkett wrote. ``Your acts have broadened into unwarranted attacks in the media against a fellow supervisor and your superiors, bringing discredit to the patrol and yourself as a member of the patrol.``

Radio stations and newspapers, including The News and Sun-Sentinel, have run stories about Downey and Renzi`s situation.

Burkett also cites Downey`s refusal to turn over work notes of his investigation to his superiors.

But Downey said Burkett`s letter is full of ``inaccuracies and lies.``

Downey said he wouldn`t turn over his work notes because he feared reprisals by Burkett against the troopers he interviewed.

At the June 26 hearing in Troop K headquarters on Florida`s Turnpike, Downey`s attorney, Mark Cullen, confirmed, he will have a chance to rebut Burkett`s charges. But Downey said the hearing is just for show.

``It`s a charade,`` he said. ``It`s a pretense for due process, a formality to make people think you`re being treated fairly. My job is gone.``